Clocking piston rings
 

Usually you see descriptions on how to clock piston rings for install in " conventional engines" any gurus clock them a certain way for a flathead?

Re: Clocking piston rings
 

Doesn't make much real difference, they'll move around a bit anyways. For me, clocking is more of an issue of making the installation as easy as possible - as I usually have relieved engines. The issue is that it is difficult enough to get the rings past the relief (without popping out and getting caught on it, so I put the gaps at about 3:00 and 9:00 o'clock.

Relieved Engines: Also, if you are installing pistons in a relieved engine, pay CLOSE attention to when the rings are going into the relief area - in many cases they'll get hung up a bit. I watch them carefully and use a wooden paint stir-stick to push them back (when sticking out and catching on the edge of the relief).

Re: Clocking piston rings
 

On relieved blocks, if you take the time to make a ring compressor that matches the relief, from a piece of sleeve material, you will never have problems getting the rings in.
If you make the relief the same on all of your engines, you only need one compressor.

Re: Clocking piston rings
 

People say it doesn't matter if you clock the rings, but I always do. If no relief I go 120 degrees apart. If there is a relief I clock above, below and opposite the relief. In other words if the relief is between 2 and 4 O'clock I put the gaps at 12, 6 and 9 O'clock.
Mart.

Re: Clocking piston rings
 

The rings turn but it is recommended they not be installed with all the gaps lined up.

Re: Clocking piston rings
 

I'm far from guru:p but I allways clock them. No gaps to thrust side of piston.
and then about 120 deg apart. Yes they will turn some but no way to control this.